While the vast majority of the student body was pushing through unwanted homework and dreading the upcoming school week, junior Anna DeMarr was excitedly waiting to meet Vice President Joe Biden.

DeMarr received this rare honor because her uncle, Darrell DeMarr, holds a position at the Naval Observatory, which manages the Vice President’s home. Her uncle got an invitation to Biden’s Christmas Party, and was allowed to bring a guest.

“It was a really good opportunity that not many people get to have,” said DeMarr.

DeMarr was fortunate enough to join her uncle for this exciting occasion. The two of them traveled to Biden’s residence in Washington, D.C.

“We waited in a line, and Biden was there with his wife, Jill, at the door. We shook his hand, then hers,” said DeMarr.

Although DeMarr had never met a famous person before, she was not nervous when she met the Vice President and his wife face-to-face. DeMarr had braced herself for meeting this important political figure of the time by running through their greeting many times in her head.

“I wasn’t nervous. He has a bigger role to play in society, but he’s still just another person,” said DeMarr.

Though DeMarr was impressed by the casual, cozy feel of the house, she was especially struck by a hallway that opened up into the larger mingling room.  The hallway was lined by pictures of Biden’s family and work that they had done.

“His grandkids’ art was on the walls. There was crayon work and photos of them,” said DeMarr. “It made the Vice President seem more normal.”

The hallway ended, opening up to a large room which was finely decorated for the holiday party and held many of the Vice President’s favorite pictures.  Along with famous historical paintings, the walls were adorned with family photos of his wife and children.

After meeting with the Bidens, DeMarr and her uncle enjoyed a party, which was located in a large room. A huge Christmas tree adorned the room, and the party was taking place around it.

“It had a very family oriented. I liked the homey feel of the house. It was comfortable, but it wasn’t like a rich person’s house,” said DeMarr.

 DeMarr was relieved to find that she was not the only teen there. There was a broad spectrum of guests, whose ages ranged from small child to young adult.

“A lot of people had their wives and kids. There were a couple of teenagers from Maryland, and we talked about school and sports,” said DeMarr.

DeMarr had a pleasant time at the party and experienced the thrill of meeting someone famous for the first time at the Vice President’s Christmas part. While she enjoyed meeting Biden, she wishes this will not be her last encounter with a famous person and hopes she will meet another well-known figure soon.

“I feel lucky,” said DeMarr, “It was an experience to remember.”